Yee-Ha! Campaign against cowboy traders
Residents in the Offmore area of Kidderminster are getting fresh
support to help guard against cowboy traders. Wyre Forest Community
Safety Partnership is launching a new Yee-Ha! Scheme in the
district. It is raising awareness of rogue traders and
encourages residents to report any suspicious activity so it can be
investigated and action taken on their behalf.
Helen Dyke, Chair of Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership
said,
"Offmore was the first area in the County to have a 'No Rogue
Traders Zone' back in October 2008. We have found that it has
had a positive effect for residents and helped to reduce fear of
crime. The zone has also reduced the activity of door to door
traders – now we're acting on feedback from residents and making
more improvements to the Zone. We want to rid Wyre Forest of all
rogue traders so our residents feel safer and are able to trust
people who carry out work on their homes. "
All homes in the Zone have received an updated booklet which
explains the service to 
them. They will also receive a sticker and
fridge magnet. New high visibility signs have also been put
up to deter rogue traders.
Councillor Tracey Onslow, Wyre Forest District Council's Cabinet
Member for Community and Partnership Services said,
"We work hard to tackle rogue traders in all neighbourhoods
across Wyre Forest and will continue to do so. Residents have
been pleased with how the Zone is working in Offmore, and we're
taking their feedback on board and incorporating their ideas to
step up our campaign against rogue traders."
If anyone living in the Zone sees anything suspicious or
suspects a rogue trader has contacted them, please call
Worcestershire Regulatory Services on 08454 040506. In an emergency
dial 999.
Launching the new Yee-Ha! scheme are Niall Ryland (Community
Support Officer), Councillor Rose Bishop, Hilary Hollis (Community
Safety Officer), Hayley Andrews (resident), Mike Screen
(Neighbourhood Warden) and Barry Perkins
(resident).
Date of issue - 2nd December 2010